William J. Daugherty

William (Bill) J. Daugherty Jr., 86, of Geneseo, IL, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born December 10, 1939 in Duluth, MN, to the late William and Kathleen (Ennis) Daugherty. He graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1957. He served honorably for six years in the United States Army and U.S. Army Reserves, then went on to complete a degree in history at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

After working in sales in Minneapolis for several years, he relocated to Princeton, IL, for a position at Jostens where he met his future wife, Connie Stutzman. They married in 1969 and eventually moved to Crystal Lake, IL, to raise their family. Bill and Connie worked for Jostens for 20 years before starting their own employee recognition company and moving to Geneseo in 1991.

Bill loved being active, whether it be racing down to Canal Park to see the ore boats pass under the aerial lift bridge in Duluth, chopping wood for his wood-burning stove, or taking his bicycle for a spin around town. Bill enjoyed playing sports all of his life. He helped found the Crystal Lake Hockey Club and served as a coach for many years. He had a lifelong passion for golf and came to love playing pickleball in his 80s.

The one thing Bill loved even more than being active was being around people. He loved spending time with friends and family and genuinely enjoyed meeting people and learning their stories. Bill was an eternal optimist who never met a stranger, and lived life with a heart free of grudges.

Bill was a member of the Kiwanis, St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, and the Geneseo pickleball community and was proud of his Irish heritage and his Duluth roots.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Connie, sister Patricia Daugherty, and brother Bob Daugherty. Survivors include his children, Julie (Scott) Prigge of Port Byron, IL, and Craig (Kristi) Daugherty of Edelstein, IL, and five grandchildren: Hannah (Kade) Prigge, Sarah Prigge, Camille Daugherty, Nadine Daugherty, and Hank Daugherty.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held. Donations in his honor may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Geneseo.